At just 22, Benjamin Weberink has emerged as an insightful voice in modern literature with his debut novel, The Fatal Stillness Of The Sun. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Benjamin’s journey began in a childhood surrounded by creativity. Writing poems and short stories, and later fueled by his love for classical music, he discovered that expressing emotions through words was not just a pastime but a calling. Writing, for him, is a way to capture life’s subtleties and, as he describes, “turn them into sentences.” This talent to find depth in everyday life forms the heart of his work.
The Fatal Stillness Of The Sun delves into heavy themes like guilt, addiction, love, and faith. Set in 2007, the story follows Noah, a man spiraling into addiction and grief after the loss of his ex-girlfriend, Leah. As he drifts further into alcohol-fueled despair, Noah’s journey takes him to an unexpected crossroad where new love offers the potential for redemption. Benjamin crafts a narrative that doesn’t shy away from life’s darker side, choosing instead to highlight its complexity. Noah’s struggle is a portrayal of someone who wants to improve yet is trapped by internal and external obstacles. This hauntingly real character, along with Leah and Yasmin – a new love who brings the possibility of healing – are embodiments of the battles many face, grounding the story in relatable, authentic emotion.
Writing such realistic characters was not without challenges. Benjamin admits that he sometimes felt “a part of the story,” needing to step back to avoid getting consumed by the intense emotions of his characters. His writing process was freeform, driven by sudden bursts of inspiration, even if that meant jotting down thoughts at 4 a.m. Music, too, played a crucial role, which helped him to visualize scenes and emotions vividly.
Benjamin chose to self-publish because he valued the creative control it offered, particularly over design aspects that allowed his vision to stay intact. For him, having a say in every detail, from the cover design to how the story is presented, reflects his deep personal connection to his work. The response to The Fatal Stillness Of The Sun has been overwhelmingly positive, surpassing his expectations for a debut.
In the coming years, Benjamin plans to continue writing, shifting to a collection of short stories for his next project. He’s driven by the desire to help others through his work, and hopes that readers might find a way to cope with their struggles through his stories. His advice to aspiring writers is heartfelt and honest: “It is not an easy life to choose. There will be sacrifice… But don’t doubt yourself. You write with purpose.”
Benjamin’s journey is about offering solace and understanding to those navigating their own lives. The world has become increasingly aware of mental health and addiction struggles, and Benjamin’s work resonates deeply with readers. His raw portrayal of grief and healing offers a compelling story, as well as a mirror for those grappling with their own internal battles. His work serves as a reminder that, despite life’s darkness, there is always light to be found in the power of storytelling.